Sign up for the free Helena This Week newsletter and stay in the loop on Helena city government, public school meetings, business news and upcoming entertainment and events.
6/09/2025
“Helena This Week” is reported and written By JoVonne Wagner. Send your Helena news and tips to [email protected].
City formally accepts $3.2M grant to get started on design, engineering
After funding delays, the Helena City Commission has officially accepted a $3.2 million transportation planning grant to fund changes on Montana Avenue.
During a meeting last week, the city commission voted to approve the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program grant.
The city received the grant award notice at the beginning of the year, but the process was later stalled due to implications of federal funding changes.
Now, with city acceptance, the project can move forward with engineering, design and environmental policy approval to change how the railroad crosses Montana Avenue. The current proposal calls for a tunnel, according to city transportation services director David Knoepke.
“The biggest thing we’re going to see is improved safety for all, not only for pedestrians and non-motorized folks, but also for vehicles and the railroad users,” Knoepke said during the meeting.
The project grant requires $800,000 in matching funds, with the Montana Department of Transportation and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway splitting the cost with the city of Helena.
Knoepke also read a statement from BNSF during the commission meeting, which expressed the need for the railroad change and how the location is a crucial route for transporting goods.
Great Falls District administrator for the Montana Department of Transportation, Jim Wingerter, also spoke during the meeting, echoing support for the grant.
“It is very important for us to provide mobility and provide for less congestion,” Wingerter said. “Not only in our rural routes, but our urban routes, and this is one project that we are especially interested in. It will be a challenge, but we’re engineers, that’s what we do.”
In addition to the railroad change, the grant will cover the planning costs for a new two-lane roundabout at the five-way intersection connecting Lyndale, Helena and Montana avenues.
“This is a very big deal for the city to get this grant,” City Commissioner Emily Dean said during the meeting. “I’m excited that we are finally getting to the point to officially accepting it …This is going to be one of those projects that truly changes not just Helena in the next 10 years, but the next 70.”
The city will look for construction funding after the preliminary engineering is completed, Knoepke said.
Public Notice
The Helena School Board of Trustees will vote during the next meeting on Tuesday, June 10, on whether the district will close Hawthorne Elementary. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, 1335 Poplar St.
5 Things to Know in Helena
HACF grant number updates: During last week’s joint city-county commission meeting, the Helena Area Community Foundation presented its annual grant report for the 2025 fiscal year. In total, $67,750 was granted to 28 various community and county nonprofit organizations. Visit the Helena Area Community Foundation website to view the full list of 2025 grant recipients.
City tennis court getting improvements: During the city commission meeting last week, commissioners approved a bid of $620,000 from Montana Materials and Construction to repair the Kay McKenna Tennis Court. The city has advised the public not to use the tennis courts, first constructed in 1953, due to the holes and cracks in the pavement that could cause injuries. The city also suspended tennis and pickleball lessons until the courts have been repaired. City Commissioner Emily Dean commented on the high cost of the repairs but added that the materials that would be used for the reconstruction would contribute to long-term use.
Dust mitigation is coming this summer: According to an announcement last week, the city of Helena will begin its dust mitigation program in July to help address air pollution caused by dirt and unpaved roads. The program was created from the commission’s request last year to treat dirt roads with a magnesium chloride mixture that reduces dust. The city allocated $100,000 to the program in its 2026 budget. The announcement said that the city won’t start work this month because of expected rainy weather that would impact the quality of the magnesium mixture. For questions about the program, contact the city streets division at (406) 447-1566 or email [email protected].
Guardian of the Gulch back in action: The city of Helena will hold a fire tower dedication ceremony on Tuesday, June 10, at 9 a.m. to mark the completion of its restoration project. The event will take place at Helena Fire Tower Park, 111 S. Cruse St., with Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins and city commission members in attendance. Dick Anderson Construction lead the restoration efforts with a $385,803 budget. Renovation work began in December and wrapped up in May.
Arts guild works to save its building: The Clay Arts Guild of Helena is at risk of losing the facility it has leased since 1999, after the owners decided to sell the property. The guild is working to raise the $250,000 down payment and will hold a day-long pottery sale on Saturday, June 14, to raise money for the cause. The sale will be held at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the guild’s website for more information about the guild or fundraising efforts.
By The Numbers
The growth rate in East Helena’s population, according to an MTFP report. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, East Helena has grown by about 110 residents since 2023, making it one of Montana’s fastest-growing cities.
Might Be Fun
The Helena Downtown Business Improvement District is hosting the “Out To Lunch” live music concert series on Thursdays throughout the summer. The weekly event, featuring different performers and food trucks, takes place at the Great North
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
One less school day for East Helena?
Good morning, Helena. In this issue, we look at local reactions to a potential four-day school week at the East Helena Public Schools. Additionally, the Original Governor’s Mansion is again open for tours, and you can read about downtown Helena’s upcoming slew of Halloween festivities. But first, a weather preview ☀️ The weather starts off warmer this week with a Monday high of 67 degrees, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Julianna Glinskas. Tuesday highs will reach 63 with a 20% chance of rain in the evening. Wednesday’s high will peak at 60 degrees and overnight lows will remain in…
